Essential Travel Tips for Athens

Here are some practical tips to help you navigate Athens like a local. From the best time to visit to getting around the city, handling money, and understanding local customs, these insights will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Best Time to Visit

I love July - it’s hot, but the city has an incredible energy before August. In August, it is very hot so brace yourself. Do your activities early in the day and adopt the Southern European custom of siesta in the middle of the day. Also you will notice while August is peak tourist season, it actually feels quieter in Athens since many locals escape to the islands. May and September are perfect if you want warm weather without the crowds.

Winter (November–March) is way milder than most European cities, with average temperatures around 9°C (48°F) in January. Athens gets around 300 days of sunshine a year, so even in winter, you’ll often get blue skies. And every now and then, it even snows! Seeing the Acropolis dusted in white is rare, but when it happens, it’s absolutely magical.

Christmas and New Year bring a completely different kind of beauty to Athens. The whole city lights up - Syntagma Square has a massive Christmas tree and the streets of Ermou, Kolonaki, and Plaka are covered in fairy lights. Cafés serve melomakarona (honey-soaked cookies) and kourabiedes (almond shortbread) and if you’re here for New Year’s, fireworks over the Acropolis are something special.

Honestly, Athens is great any time of year. Whether you want sunshine, history, food, or a festive winter vibe, there’s always something happening.

Getting Around

Metro - Fast, affordable and surprisingly historic, with ancient ruins on display at Syntagma, Monastiraki and Acropolis stations.
Taxis & Rideshare - Use FreeNow or Uber. Uber only books taxis, so don’t be surprised if you order an Uber and get a taxi. If you use taxis, always ask/check for the meter before starting your ride. (See safety notes for taxis as well)
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - A convenient way to explore the city – you can hop on at Syntagma and ride all the way to Vouliagmeni for a scenic coastal ride. A great way to see Athens if you are time poor.
Ferries - Depart from Piraeus and Rafina. They are an experience in themselves.
Welcome Pickups - My go-to airport transfer. The driver contacts you via WhatsApp and picks you up from a designated spot, making the whole process effortless - especially after a long flight. I use this service often and highly recommend it.

Money & Tipping

Currency - The official currency is Euro (€). Most places accept cards, but small tavernas and taxis prefer cash.
ATMs - Use bank-owned ATMs such as Eurobank, Alpha Bank and National Bank of Greece, which have lower withdrawal fees than independent ATMs.
EFT Transactions - When paying by card, always choose to be charged in euros rather than your home currency to avoid unnecessary conversion fees.
Tipping - Not expected but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants, rounding up in taxis and cafés).

Safety in Athens
Athens is generally safe, especially in central neighbourhoods like Syntagma, Plaka, Kolonaki and Koukaki. There’s a relaxed vibe, and people are warm and welcoming—but as with any major city, it’s good to stay aware of your surroundings.

Pickpocketing can happen, particularly in Monastiraki Square, Omonia and around the main train station, as well as on the metro. Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, avoid leaving your phone on café tables and don’t flash valuables.

Omonia Square and the surrounding area can feel a bit rough around the edges. While there have been efforts to clean it up, there’s still an element that makes it less than comfortable - especially at night. Personally, I wouldn’t stay in that area, even if some hotels seem like a bargain.

Taxis are usually safe, but always make sure the meter is running. If you’re unsure, use apps like FreeNow or Uber (which books official taxis in Athens). While I speak the language and feel very comfortable travelling solo in Greece, I’ve had a few uncomfortable taxi experiences - and they’ve all been from the airport. That’s why I now always use Welcome Pickups. It’s reliable, the driver contacts you via WhatsApp and it just takes the stress out of arriving, especially after a long flight.

Athens is a city that rewards confident, curious travellers. Use common sense, trust your instincts and you’ll have a wonderful experience.

Emergency Numbers:

  • 112 - General Emergency

  • 100 - Police

  • 112 or 166 - Ambulance

  • 171 - Tourist Police

A Few Things That Might Surprise You

  • Dinner starts late. Locals rarely eat before 9 PM and meals often stretch well past midnight.

  • Coffee is a ritual. Try a freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino in summer and Greek coffee in winter - they are Greek staple.

  • Strikes happen. Athens is the birthplace of democracy and protests are part of Greek culture. If one happens, avoid the area, do something else somewhere else and remember that in Athens, history is always alive.

  • Sundays are quiet in suburban areas. Many shops are closed, as Greece is an Orthodox country that observes religious traditions. During Easter and other major religious holidays, most businesses shut completely. Check your dates and if you happen to be there at those times, visit the churches, joing the festivities, you will see something so beautiful.

  • Siesta culture exists. Summers in Athens are hot and like much of Southern Europe, some Greeks take an afternoon break. Don’t be surprised if smaller shops and businesses close from 2 PM – 5 PM, but many reopen later into the evening.

  • Shopping hours are longer than in Australia. Stores in Greece often stay open late during the week, but hours vary - always check local trading times.

  • The tap water in Athens is safe to drink, but most people still opt for bottled water, which is inexpensive and easy to find at περίπτερα (kiosks) on almost every corner. It is vital to stay hydrated in the summer in Athens as it gets very hot.